Red Hunger-strikers Protest

August 1, 1935

Jerusalem (Aug. 1)

An official statement issued by the authorities here today in connection with the hunger-strike of 52 Communist prisoners who are protesting because they are being treated like criminal prisoners, points out that the Palestine law is similar to the English law in this respect and does not permit political prisoners to receive special treatment unless the Courts verdict expressly recommends it.

“It is not up to the discretion of prison officials to accord special treatment to political prisoners,” the Government’s statement declares.

The government also points out that only three of the prisoners, including a woman convicted of theft, are forced to wear prison clothes.

The hunger-strikers, says the official statement, are under the care of government doctors. All are taking water and they are in no immediate danger. Two of the strikers however, have been removed to the prison hospital, and one, who is suffering with tuberculosis, was removed to the Government Hospital.